Lot details Registration No: HFR 873 Chassis No: B119YA Mot Expiry: Feb 2013
The R-type Bentley first saw the light of day in June 1952, and was so named because the chassis designations of the Mark VI model on which it was based had reached the letter R. The newcomer was certainly very similar to its predecessor, the principle point of recognition being the much longer boot capped by a one-piece alloy lid. Gone were the rear spats to be replaced by shapely flowing wings. The net result was a body 7.5 inches longer and the now welded chassis was extended by the same amount. Detailed changes included an automatic choke, two-speed wipers and rear window de-mister. In October the same year, the General Motors four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was made an option and became the standard fit from 1954 onwards. As tested by The Autocar, the R-Type could reach 60mph in 13.8 seconds and achieve a terminal speed of just over 100mph.
The right-hand drive R-Type Bentley being sold left the Crewe factory in 1954 equipped with a 'Standard Steel' body, which is finished in Black and complemented by a Tan leather interior. 'HFR 873', otherwise known as 'Betty B', is said to have been taken off the road in 1978 when the mileage was still to exceed 30,000. It was then renovated between 1997 and 1999 and remains complete with all its original fittings and tools. Between 1999 and 2008 the R-Type was campaigned in some 24 RREC, BDC and other social rallies both in the UK and as far afield as Austria, Australia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, and South Africa. Following the tours, the engine was extensively refurbished with new full length steel liners, pistons, valves, bearing liners etc. The vendor regards the bodywork as "good" and the 4566cc six-cylinder engine as being in "almost new condition", and is selling the Bentley (Chassis B119 YA) complete with a full year's MOT and current mileage of 65,150.
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